Roblox, the immensely popular kid’s gaming platform that has been a playground for millions of users worldwide, is making a significant shift in its business model. The company announced on Friday that it will allow some game developers on the platform to charge users real money for playing their games, a departure from the previous reliance on Robux, the platform’s digital currency. This change will apply to Paid Access games, where users will now have the option to pay with their local currencies directly.
This major announcement was made during Roblox’s annual developer conference in San Jose, California. The move aligns Roblox with the traditional video game industry, allowing developers to earn revenue from selling titles and adjusting prices based on market demand. Manuel Bronstein, the chief product officer of Roblox, emphasized that this shift aims to increase the appeal of the platform to existing developers who seek more opportunities to create and monetize their games.
Under the new pricing model, developers will receive payouts based on a sliding scale, with higher-priced games resulting in a larger percentage of revenue going to the creator. For instance, creators of games priced at $50 will pocket 70% of the earnings, while games priced at $30 and $10 will lead to payouts of 60% and 50%, respectively. This initiative is part of Roblox’s ambitious plan to facilitate 10% of all global gaming content sales through its platform and reach 300 million daily active users.
While the majority of games on Roblox will continue to be free to play, the company hopes the new pricing plan will incentivize developers and small studios to create more elaborate and engaging content. This shift comes as Roblox seeks to diversify its revenue streams beyond the sales of Robux. The company reported a 31% year-over-year increase in second-quarter sales to $893.5 million and a narrowed net loss, signaling positive growth and potential for further expansion.
Overall, the introduction of real-world money transactions on Roblox marks a significant milestone for the platform and its community of developers and users. As the company continues to evolve its business model and expand its offerings, the implications on the gaming industry and consumer behavior remain to be seen. With an eye towards innovation and growth, Roblox is poised to shape the future of online gaming and digital entertainment.
